The Natural Resources Conservation Service provides a variety of agency forms and free publications about conserving our natural resources. Check out LANDCARE, the NRCS National Publications and Forms Distribution Center by going to http://landcare.sc.egov.usda.gov/ To browse the list of available items, enter the title, a keyword (such as “water” or “soil”), or the publication/form number in the ‘Search’ box below. To view the entire list, click on “Browse All”. You can order on-line or call 1-888-LANDCARE (888-526-3227) or e-mail, landcare@usda.gov.

Want to learn more about signing incentives, practice incentives, and cost share payments that could help you protect clean water, control soil erosion, and enhance wildlife habitats? Announced in late August 2009, producers can sign up for the FWP at their local FSA office. Check out the land eligibility requirements which were expanded through the 2008 Farm Bill. Go to www.fsa.usda.gov/FSA/Ohio See In the News or Search Farmable Wetlands Program or contact Christina Reed at 614-255-2527.

Are you interested in tree farming? The Hunter Family Tree Farm in Glenmont OH is a sixth generation farm. The Hunters were selected by the Ohio Tree Farm Committee as the Tree Farmer of the Year. Review the scheduled topics, demos & tours at http://ofbf.org (Search Hunter Tree Farm). Tour more than 50,000 trees. Walk and visit presentations on 150 of this 384 acre Tree Farm

Ohio Conservation Stewardship Program sign-up continues through September 30, 2009. This voluntary program encourages agricultural producers to improve conservation systems by improving, maintaining, and managing existing and undertaking additional conservation activities. Get familiar with the 2009 Priority Resource Concerns by Ohio geographic area. Use the on-line Producer Self-Screening Checklist to determine your eligibility. CSP payments may not exceed $40,000 annually and $200,000 during a 5-year period. Learn more at www.oh.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/csp_home.html